Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) based in Kyiv, Ukraine. The incumbent reports to the Head of Mission/Deputy Head of Mission.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Communications Officer will be responsible for the following duties: – Supports design and implementation of the communication strategy of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) for human rights promotion and increased visibility of HRMMU: (a) Produces and/or oversees production of communication and reporting materials, including texts for social media, stories, press releases, images and videos, infographics, leaflets, backgrounders etc; (b) Oversees maintenance and uploading the information on official websites and social media to ensure that the content there is updated; (c) Contributes to organizing public online and offline events, including the launch of the OHCHR public reports in Ukraine, Human Rights Day etc; (d) Works collectively with other UN communication officers within the UN Communication and Advocacy Group (UNCAG); elaborating and participating in joint digital communications campaigns, ensuring human rights angle and approach; – Establishes and maintains contacts with media, responding to media requests, initiating and arranging interviews; – Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press; identifies issues and trends in Ukraine’ political, social and economic environment, and advises the management on appropriate actions/responses; – Provides guidance to other members of the communication team within the Mission in line with the overall guidance of the Head of Mission/Deputy Head of Mission; – Performs other communication-related functions and special duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices. Demonstrates knowledge of risks to information integrity – misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and threats in fragile, post conflict, and crisis environments. Demonstrates ability to develop and implement communications strategies. Demonstrates ability to draft and tailor clear messages for diverse audiences. Demonstrates skills to conduct research such as systematic data collection and analysis of information from various sources. Demonstrates knowledge of current and emerging digital media platforms, their principles and technologies. Demonstrates the ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and proficiency in subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, media relations, public information, marketing, other social sciences or humanities. A first-level university degree in the above-mentioned area in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, international relations, public information or other relevant areas is required. Experience in developing talking points, press releases and media lines, including in crisis situations and on sensitive issues is required. Experience in public relations and/or managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials etc. is required. Experience in working with human rights messaging is desirable. Experience within the United Nations common system or similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Ukrainian and Russian are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUkrainianUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIRussianUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.